American
Sign Language
Honor Society
Since 2006
High standards for
high school, community
college, and university
students studying ASL
Alice Cogswell Medal
Limited to two- or four-year colleges /
universities only
Students must complete at least two years
of ASL study to be eligible for the medal
GPA requirements: 3.5 / B+ average in ASL
courses and an overall GPA of 3.2 / B in all
other coursework
Complete five community service hours per
year of ASL study that benefits the local
Deaf community or the wider Deaf World
The Alice Cogswell Medal is three inches
wide and attached to a colorful ribbon. It
is a meaningful and appropriate symbol
of high academic achievement to be worn
at graduation or induction ceremonies.
The Alice Cogswell Medal features a
silver finish.
Laurent Clerc Medal
The highest honor in ASL studies
Open to high school and four-year college /
university programs
Students must complete at least three
years of ASL study to become eligible
for the medal
GPA: 3.7 / A- average in ASL courses
and an overall GPA of 3.5 in all other
coursework
Complete 10 community service hours
per year that benefits the local Deaf
community or the wider Deaf World
The Laurent Clerc Medal is three inches
wide and attached to a colorful ribbon. It
is a meaningful and appropriate symbol of
high academic achievement to be worn at
graduation or induction ceremonies. The
Laurent Clerc Medal features a gold finish.
How Do I Join?
Establishing an ASLHS chapter at your
campus is as simple as 1-2-3-4:
1. Complete the appropriate application
form;
2. Join ASLTA by submitting the
membership form with the ASLHS
application (if not already a member);
3. Submit the ASLHS fee;
Who are we?
The American Sign Language Honor Society
(ASLHS) is an official program established
by ASLTA, the only national organization
of ASL teachers. ASLHS was established to
encourage high academic achievement at
all levels of ASL study.
Who is ASLHS for?
High school students
Community college students
University students
Why Join ASLHS?
Required community service hours
encourage ASL use outside of class
Eligible for ASLHS Scholarships
Increases ASL visibility and respect
on campus
Eligible to earn honor cords, the Alice
Cogswell Medal, or the Laurent Clerc
Medal to wear at graduation ceremonies
Can participate in ASLHS-sponsored
events, including ASL literature contests
Encourages high academic achievement
4. Clearly post the ASLHS community
service and GPA requirements for the
honor cords, Alice Cogswell Medal,
and the Laurent Clerc Medal.
Contact Information
More information and application
forms is available at the
ASLHS homepage:
http://www.aslhonorsociety.org
American Sign Language
Teacher’s Association homepage
http://www.aslta.org
What are the ASLHS Honors?
ASL students are eligible to earn honor
cords, the Alice Cogswell Medal, or the
Laurent Clerc Medal. Each has stringent
eligibility requirements that include
community service and high academic
achievement.
Honor Cords
Limited to high school ASL programs only
Students must complete at least two
years of ASL to become eligible
for honor cords
GPA: 3.5 / B+ average
in ASL courses and an
overall GPA of 3.2 / B
in all other
coursework
Complete five
community service
hours that benefits
the local Deaf
community
or the wider
Deaf World
ASLHS Officers
Jason E. Zinza, National Coordinator
Tricia McCarthy, Membership
Howard Gilliland, Graduation Honors
Advisory Board
Glenna Ashton, ASLTA President
Kelcy Browder
Adele Polk
Cheryl Zuckerman
If you would like to serve on the
ASLHS Advisory Board, please contact
Jason E. Zinza at jzinza@gmail.com